A challenge for you......

[wreckchick]

I'm currently planning a reasonably large tattoo on my arm (half sleeve) with a diving/ocean theme. What I'm looking for is one major centerpiece and one or two more minor focal points. For the big piece I want some kind of fish, probably, I was thinking of an angel of some variety but if anyone has any other suggestions, feel free to suggest away. They need to have good color and show movement and dimensionality.

Any photos you show me might actually be used in the tattoo, so if that concept offends anyone please feel free to refrain for submitting anything. There will be no credit given on the piece, but I would like to know the history of the photo for novelty's sake.

What makes a good tattoo? Believe it or not, a lack of fussy detail. The best tattoos are created from images that have enough detail to make the point and nothing more. Too much detail creates a blurry look since the lines bleed together and the tattoo looks out of focus.

So, anyone have anything?

Rachel

 

[mdr231]

My favorite fish is the Clown Trigger. Here's
a stylized pic (not mine!):
http://www.aquaticretail.com/product_info.php?products_id=30

They have a lot of personality and are very striking.

Good luck!
Michael

 

[Big-t-2538]

photoshop can help you create an image or two...there are some really great macros buried in this forum....

 

[augie]

My wife has a great looking tatoo of a spotted eagle ray.

She actually took three different photos with her to the artist and told him which elements she liked best from each one. He created a composite of the three on paper, and since she liked the resulting pic so well she had it permanently drawn.

 

[wreckchick]

I having a pretty sizeable piece done, but my arm is only so big. I'd like to have everything I've ever seen on it, but that ain't gonna happen.

For the photos I've submitted to the artist, go to:

this page

Right now the Stoplight Parrottfish peeking out from behind a rock is winning the centerpiece contest.

Rachel

 

[mdr231]

Another cool fish is the Panther Grouper (also one of my favorites): http://www.aquaticretail.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_23_37&products_id=33

It's not colorful (mostly white with black/brown spots) but is also a striking fish. The picture doesn't really do it justice. The fish usually hovers with its head pointed down and its body up at an angle (at least when aquarium-sized juveniles) http://www.viewoftheocean.net/html/panther__cromileptes_altivelis.html

Might also age better as a tattoo given simplicity of markings

cheers,
Michael

 

[ColdH2Odvr]

My 2 cents